Childs motorbike advice

Hi,

Im thinking of buying my son a first motorbike for Christmas and it seems a
maze.

I want to spend about 300 quid and can't decide whether to go for a new
bike, obviously it will be unbranded, or get a second hand bike like a
Yamaha pw50/80 or similar.

He is 8 years old and of average height, poosibly slightly taller than
average. My research has led me towards something with a seat height of
around 24 inch with 12 inch wheels, is this about right.

I guess the bike will be used for a couple of hours on flat stuff at the
weekends.

I would appreciate advice, particularly what to avoid, eg this looks OK to
me...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4596474931

I was also looking at these...
http://www.hygienesuppliesdirect.com/products/cat324-sub6581

Which I am guessing would be a waste of money.

Any advice appreciated,

Rick

 

You and a zillion others

I'd choose a decent used bike of a reputable brand over an unbranded
Chinese-made potential disaster. I mean, let's say it gets dropped - as
it will. Where are you going to source (say) a brake lever for something
boughtn from Argos?

Or a throttle cable?

Your trouble is that your budget is on the low side. For a half-decent
kids' bike, at Xmas, you need a minimum of £400 and preferably £500.

If he's taller than average, then no, not right at all. At this age,
kids grow *very* fast and he'll outgrow the bike very quickly. I'd
suggest getting something with 16" wheels, for him "to grow into". Like
school uniforms. It might be awkward at first, but by the time he's got
used to controlling it properly, he'll be the right size for it.

 

A good pair of bolt cutters should be way less than £300.

 

Bear in mind it's unlikely he'll be able to legally ride it anywhere
except your own back garden

 

There are a few places nearby where he will be able to ride it, legally or
not im unsure but I have often witnessed it done, unchallenged.

Also if he enjoys it there is organised scrambing going on every Thursday
eve on moorland just behind the house.

Rick